Why is my dog's head muscle wasting, causing jaw and eating issues?

Question

My golden retriever has had an ear infection for a few weeks and has had steroids and antibiotics. He had a problem opening his jaw at one point and the vet has Said that the lump on top of his head is sticking out more because the muscle surrounding it has deteriorated, what can I do to improve these muscles and make him eat properly again thanks x. Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | 9 years and 10 months old | 42 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I am so sorry that Sully is not well. Unfortunately, you may need to be some additional diagnostics to find out if & how all these symptoms are related. The temporal muscle atrophy, & difficulty opening the mouth may be due to a nerve sheath tumor, or masticatory myositis. And, it is concerning that an ear infection is taking several weeks to clear up. If you can consider a MRI, that would definitely show what is going on in that part of Sully's head. Until you know this, it will be very hard to improve things. Antibiotics & steroids are appropriate therapy, but we just cannot recommend much more without more information. Good luck with Sully & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Why is my dog's head muscle wasting, causing jaw and eating issues?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Share